Aprilia Caponord 1200 - Road test
Content
"The best compromise between tourism and sports." Here's how Aprilia defines a new Caponord 1200, the latest addition to the Noale, is set to powerfully enter the road enduro segment.
Aprilia Caponord 1200, twelve years later
In 2001 Aprilia introduced ETV 1000 Caponordis a performance and very versatile bike that has not received much acclaim among enthusiasts.
Twelve years later, the Italian manufacturer decides to reassert itself in the crowded multi-purpose bike segment with a new Caponord 1200completely redesigned with typical Aprilia styling, powerful and efficient engine, unrivaled chassis and electronics.
April Caponord 1200 will arrive in Italian dealers in the next few days at a price of € 13.500 € 15.900 for the basic version (equipped with Ride by Wire, ABS, ATC, adjustable windscreen and hand guards) and € XNUMX XNUMX for the option. Travel package (which adds ADD, ACC, center stand and 29 liter drawers). Available in three colors: gray, red and white.
From MayAprilia multimedia platform, which makes it possible to connect your smartphone to the bike and receive a series of useful information through a special application.
Chassis
He was born based on Dorsodurobut be careful: this is a completely different bike. It has mixed structure frame formed by a grid of high-strength steel pipesconnected to a pair of die-cast aluminum plates. The result is excellent weight balance and excellent maneuverability.
Il rear subframe it has been designed to withstand the full load, and the side-mounted shock absorber connecting the frame to the aluminum swingarm provides just the right space for the exhaust manifolds.
Rear mono adjustable manually in spring and hydraulics, while Inverted Fork 43mm fully adjustable.
Wheels are made of aluminum from 17 inches and descend from those that are installed on the new RSV4. Finally the brakes Brembowith a pair of 320mm steel floating discs at the front with four-piston monobloc calipers and a 240mm single-piston floating caliper at the rear. Highly developed completes the picture ABS system completely switchable.
The engine and the wire ride
TheApril Caponord 1200 pushed 90 ° V-twin engine from 125 hp at 8.250 rpm and 11,7 kgm at 6.800 rpmwith a body and travel dimension of 106,0 x 67,8 mm, which underlines the sporty character of the motorcycle.
The distribution is four valves per cylinder, controlled by a mixed chain and gear system, and the power source is electronic injection and dual spark ignition. IN Riding the wires it is present on the Dorsoduro 1200 and other Aprilia motorcycles. It includes three cards: rain, tourism e Sports.
The former limits power to 100bhp, while the Touring and Sport make full use of 125bhp, but differ in throttle response, softer in the former and more responsive in the latter. Finally, the exhaust system includes a single muffler on the right side, height-adjustable for a sportier look (in case side shrouds are not fitted).
ATC and ACC systems
The electronic package that Caponord is equipped with is remarkable. L 'Tool shop (Aprilia Traction Control) can be selected on Тре levels... Level 1, least aggressive, for sporty driving. Level 2, intermediate, ideal for tourism. E Level 3 is designed for situations with poor traction.
Системы ACC (Aprilia Cruise Control), on the other hand, allows you to set your desired speed and keep it constant even when going up or downhill, without having to press the throttle.
The system automatically disengages when any of the brake / clutch / cruise control button commands are actuated, resulting in a lot of useful on long motorway tripsas it saves fuel and makes driving less tiring.
New ADD semi-active suspension system
But the real strength of the new Aprilia Caponord 1200 isADD (Aprilia dynamic damping), is present only on the setup Travel package. ADD is a revolutionary new dynamic system semi-active suspensions designed by Aprilia and covered with a bin four patents.
ADD system measures the energy transmitted to the vehicle by uneven asphalt and adjusts in real time the calibration of the fork and shock hydraulics to minimize acceleration on the frame and therefore maximize comfort.
To maximize performance across the entire fork and shock frequency range, ADD uses a patented "comfort-oriented" algorithm that combines the principles of the well-known Skyhook damping and acceleration algorithms. In addition to comfort, driving performance has been optimized and safety has been increased.
Il In fact, the system recognizes the phases of movement (acceleration, throttle release, braking, constant throttle) and adjusts the basic tuning of the fork and shock absorber thanks to an additional patent that allows you to define specific hydraulic calibration curves within the adjustment range.
The high accuracy of the system is entrusted to one sensor selection borrowed from the automotive world and allow you to measure the speeds of extension of the fork and shock absorber with maximum accuracy. In this area, Aprilia has patented a unique solution for measuring the extension speed of the forks using a pressure sensor.
In suspension systems already on the market, the driver, by pressing a button on the steering wheel, turns on the electric motor, which changes suspension installation... On the other hand, in Aprilia's ADD dynamic semi-active suspension system, the rider only has to drive the car without worrying about choosing any settings.
Finally, the Travel Pack includesshock absorber with piggy bank integrated, electrically adjustable spring preload in position 4 are predefined, highlighted with special icons on digital equipment: driver only, driver with passenger, driver with baskets only, driver and passenger with baskets.
Aprilia's patented exclusive system is a modality automatic control of spring preload... After selecting this option, the system can independently determine the load loaded on the bike (fuel weight, driver and passenger, luggage, etc.), and automatically adjust the preload to the optimal value to properly balance the bike. ...
Aprilia Caponord 1200, our test
To test the new Aprilia Caponord 1200, we traveled to Sardinia, near Cagliari. From the magnificent location of Is Molas Golf surrounded by greenery, we entered a mixed course with breathtaking views.
Following the precise instructions regarding ABS, ATC, Ride by Wire and ADD settings, we strap on our helmet and get on our motorcycle (Travel Pack setting). The climate is definitely on our side: plenty of sun and noticeable spring temperatures.
In the first few meters, we appreciate, not without surprise, the great agility and feel the bike conveys: thanks to the great frame. 228kg of weight (which, however, is not too much, but not very little) seems to evaporate as soon as the bike starts to move. We immediately continue driving with great ease, the driving position is comfortable and relaxed, but not "passive".
The saddle is comfortable and spacious (like the passenger's saddle), and its 840mm size allows even less tall feet to stand safely on the ground. The controls are also conveniently located and easy to use.
To leave Is Molas, we run into some bumps along the way and start enjoying the work done by the ADD semi-active pendants: but that's just a taste.
After leaving the complex, we begin to push (using the Touring card) and "feel" the engine, full, powerful and always linear in delivery: it immediately accelerates to 5.000 rpm and then goes all out. .. Between 6.000 and 9.000 rpm.
On long straight stretches we appreciate the front fairing (adjustable in height) and the cruise control, practical and very functional: it is activated with a simple push of a button and deactivated by “touching” one of the brakes, the cruise control button itself or the cruise control button. grab.
We also note that sixth gear is quite long: therefore useful for achieving a high top speed (we point out that this is a statement), but above all for maintaining low engine revs at freeway speeds.
Finding ourselves in an area full of twists and turns, sharp and fast, we tested the Caponord 1200 and noticed that first impressions turn into pleasant confirmations: ADD works great.
As explained, the suspensions instantly adjust the setting to suit the type of ride and asphalt conditions: to be clear, if you unplug the fork hard, it will instantly harden, but after a second, it will be able to completely replicate the cliff, asphalt, or swinging of the bike in a sudden change of direction.
The ATC Traction Control does an equally great job of (selectable in three levels) allowing you to open the throttle when exiting a corner, “steering” rather than preventing it.
The result: ATC and ADD exponentially increase driving pleasure, but above all allow you to enjoy and travel in complete safety on any type of road: the Caponord 1200, as it is made, is forgiving a lot of mistakes.
By opting for Sport mode, which provides much more responsive throttle response (even if it uses the same power as Touring mode), you almost forget to drive the road enduro with suitcases (and very slightly bulky too). In essence, the bike takes on the appearance of a real sports car, capable of evoking emotions and increasing the rider's driving skills.
Also important is the work of an excellent braking system equipped with a switchable ABS. The rain display is pretty useless: just relax with the gas and don't overdo it to get more or less the same result.
All in all, the Caponord 1200 is a joy to drive. And once you get back to base, you will realize that finding a fault on the bike will be a very difficult task.
